(Life will catch you looking when you think you've got it figured out)

You've got one life to live so be sure to make everything count

(Life will catch you looking when you think youve got it figured out)

So take this in

Through your lungs and out your hands

What are you living for?

~Hat's Off by These Hearts

Music plays an important role in our lives. It is every where we go and it leaves an impression on us for life. I can still remember lyrics to songs that I haven't heard in at least 20 years. This is why my husband and I have been very selective in the music we let our children listen to. We like for them to listen to all types of music but with lyrics that deliver a message that we want them to remember.

I had the opportunity to review the new CD, Forever Ended Yesterday, by These Hearts. My family really enjoyed the music and I know when my 19 year old daughter comes home this weekend she will love it. The lyrics really get you thinking about how your living your life and how you deal with your problems.

These Hearts is a hard rock Christian band with a fresh, upbeat sound. They want to declare to their fans that they are loved, and there is hope. The band was formed in 2007 with Ryan Saunders on vocals, Isaiah Folk on drums, Kyle Colby and Daryl Van Beek on guitars, and Tyler Rice on bass. They recently signed with Victory Records and released Forever Ended Yesterday on June 21, 2011. They rely on their faith for guidance as they tour the United States.

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Every Saturday morning at 10:00 my kids and I listen to Adventures in Odyssey on our local radio station. Some of our favorite ones have included trips in the Imagination Station. In March Tyndale House Publishers released the first volume ofThe Imagination Station for children ages 7 and up. There are 4 books published with 8 more due by fall in this series written by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker. I received book 3, Peril in the Palace & book 4, Revenge of the Red Knight to review and giveaway.

I read both books during our family reading time & finished them very quickly because the kids couldn't wait to see what happened next. I really like the historical facts and the Christian worldview of this series and my girls loved the time travel, adventure, and mystery. It is good to have books that offer so much for younger kids without a lot of detailed violence to fill their young minds. We enjoyed these so much we went out and bought book #1 & 2.

Peril in the Palace takes cousins Patrick and Beth to China in 1271 where they must find the golden tablet of Kublai Khan. Marco Polo becomes their friend after they were kidnapped by Mongol warriors. Kublai Khan does not accept their gifts or their message of Christianity. When war breaks out they are locked up to prevent their escape. The book contains historical conversations between Kublai Khan, Marco Polo, and his father and uncle. The kids are then transported through time in the Imagination Station to England in 1420.

Revenge of the Red Knight takes place in England in 1450. Patrick and Beth witness a jousting match and come into trouble in Lord Darkthorn's castle. The servants accuse them of stealing the treasures they are trying to return and they must decide who is a friend or a traitor as Beth uncovers the true thief.

Marianne Hering has been writing for more than twenty years. She has been the editor of Clubhouse children's magazine from Focus on the Family and is currently a prolific writer and general book editor. She has written hundreds of articles and a number of books for children and parents. She lives in Colorado with her husband and children.

Paul McCusker has been writing since he was a child and hasn't stopped since. He is best known for writing 300 episodes of Adventures in Odyssey. His portfolio contains award-winning, critically acclaimed work in plays, novels, musicals, and lyrics. He lives in Colorado with his wife and 2 children.

I will be giving away Peril in the Palace and Revenge of the Red Knight as a set to one lucky person. I will draw a winner using random.org on Thursday morning June 23, 2011. You must have a US or Canadian mailing address to win.

You have 5 chances to win:

If you could take a trip back in time in the Imagination Station where would you go?

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I received Peril in the Palace and Revenge of the Red Knight free fromSide Door Communications in exchange for my review of the books.